Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national broadcaster BHRT has come to an agreement with the European Broadcasting Union over its debt to the EBU of CHF 6 million (€5.5 million). This means BHRT will still have access to EBU member services, including UEFA EURO 2016.

Earlier in the month, BHRT announced that it would be forced to suspend broadcast operations at the end of June due to its substantial debt of over KM 25 million (€12 million).

However, now a last-minute agreement has been made with the EBU. This will ensure that BHRT will have full access to the EBU’s member services, including the upcoming UEFA EURO 2016 tournament, ensuring that BHRT will continue broadcasting at least until the end of EURO 2016 on 10 July. The broadcaster hopes to reach an agreement with authorities that will allow it to continue broadcasting after this date.

The EBU’s director general Ingrid Deltenre said, “The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains critical but we are hopeful that BHRT will be able to agree a plan with the Government to help repay their debts and safeguard sustainable funding to allow audiences to continue to enjoy sport on the channel throughout the summer.”

As it stands, the restoration of EBU member services means that BHRT would be able to enter and broadcast Eurovision 2017, however this would still be dependent on both the broadcaster continuing its operations beyond July and having the funding to pay the entry fee and participation costs for Eurovision 2017.

Bosnia and Herzegovina at Eurovision 2016

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mawnck
mawnck
7 years ago

“Actually the government of Romania has agreed to pay off their debts by taking from the state funds.”

No they haven’t. Not yet. There have been reports that they’re GOING to do it, but it isn’t done yet.

The Brightest Falling Star
The Brightest Falling Star
7 years ago

I hope they will be able to participate in Eurovision 2017 🙂

BC
BC
7 years ago

@Ben Rafter

Favouritism?!

At least the Bosnian broadcaster was not silent about its problems… For years and years they have been in touch with the EBU and informed them about situation and everything. Bosnia also withdrawn from ESC (and didn’t play like “everything is ok, they will forget about our debt”) and was out for 3 years, almost 4. Meanwhile, Romanian broadcaster kept organizing big national finals despite warnings from the EBU.

Romanian broadcaster didn’t even answer their calls.

There is no favouritism in business.

Denis
Denis
7 years ago

Actually the government of Romania has agreed to pay off their debts by taking from the state funds.
So they can watch European Cup this summer, can be accepted to EBU again and eventually participate in ESC next year.
So just stop your “favouritism” nonsense. BHRT has a lot less severe debt and has reached an agreement with EBU. Maybe if Romania played by the rules to begin with this wouldn’t have happened.

mawnck
mawnck
7 years ago

“Favouritism is evident.”

BHRT owes 6 million Euros and has reached an agreement with the EBU. TVR owes 15.3 million Euros and hasn’t reached an agreement with anybody yet.

No favoritism there – just standard business practices.

Ben Rafter
Ben Rafter
7 years ago

??? Romania are playing against France in the first game on Friday and the fans can’t watch it… Bosnia were beaten by my country Ireland in the play offs and are therefore not in the Euros. Yet they get to broadcast it. Favouritism is evident.

oooops
oooops
7 years ago

But sad that Romania can’t broadcast the UEFA cup, while they have qualified, and now can’t be watched by Romanians viewers, unless…